The Greek mathematician Archimedes approximated pi by inscribing and circumscribing polygons about a circle and calculating their perimeters. Similarly, the value of pi can be approximated by calculating the areas of inscribed and circumscribed polygons. This activity from NCTM's Illuminations allows for the investigation and comparison of both methods. http://illuminations.nctm.org/Activity.aspx?id=3548
π is a ratio that exists in nature - It is most important that students realize this: know how it is calculated (circumference of a circle/diameter), learn about transcendental numbers, and the mathematical significance of pi. There are all sorts of activities of Pi Day that celebrate its history as well as the silly and sometimes creative activities in classrooms.
Marc A. Umile is known to many as the Pi Guy - In January,2007 the 40-year old from Upper Darby, PA became the North American record-holder for memorizing pi. He made it to the 12,887th digit. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=8900845
Download the Notebook file that contains pi activities for a classroom. Set your classroom up in stations for the day and let your students learn about Pi
http://illuminations.nctm.org/Activity.aspx?id=3548
http://physicsforme.com/2011/10/20/pi-enthusiast-calculates-its-ten-trillionth-digit/ posted on Oct., 2011
http://www.ed.gov/blog/2013/03/five-great-ways-to-celebrate-pi-day-on-314/
the preceding digits (see picture to the right)
2013 - Pi Day SMART Notebook!
Download the Notebook file that contains pi activities for a classroom. Set your classroom up in stations for the day and let your students learn about Pi
Passport to Pi Day booklet (student handouts) to accompany this SMART notebook file.
For even more resources for Pi Day:
http://greenapples.wikispaces.com/Holiday+Math
Einstein Jigsaw Puzzles - play them on the Web: